BEATitude
Tiger Turn, 2024
8/10
The saxophonist, composer and educator David Bixler has been busy since moving to NYC thirty years ago, and here along with Jon Cowherd, Ike Sturm and Rogerio Boccato he continues a very prolific time in his life.
“A Power Deferred” starts the listen with Bixler’s warm sax alongside Cowherd’s bright keys for the grooves and melody, and “Balm” follows with comes with a gospel rhythm that showcases Sturm’s playful bass prowess.
At the halfway point, “Down/Up” carries a waltz appeal that benefits much from Boccato subtle percussion, while “Peace Prize” allows Bixler’s eloquent sax to shine amid Latin nods and meticulous solos.
“Clement” arrives close to the end, and pairs Bixler’s intricate wind with Cowherd’s agile keys for the album’s best, and “Lost Hours? No” exits with a 4 note motif that mesmerizes us with its strategic delivery.
Bixler’s resume includes playing in the bands of Lionel Hampton and Toshiko Akioshi, as well as Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Big Band, and this diverse vision of jazz illustrates the artist’s spiritual side with much intrigue.
Travels well with: Omer Leshem- Play Space; Wayne Alpern- Gotham